I decided to pursue healthcare because of the experiences I had growing up with my family. My younger brother’s journey with autism showed me the importance of patience, compassion, and understanding when caring for others. I also watched my dad go through serious heart problems and a heart replacement, which was very scary for me as a child. Seeing him fight through such a difficult time and watching the healthcare team care for him inspired me deeply. Those experiences made me realize how much of an impact healthcare workers have not only on patients, but also on their families. They motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare so I can provide support, comfort, and compassionate care to others during some of the hardest moments of their lives.
What made me choose Hondros College of Nursing was the amount of student support I saw during my walkthrough. I could tell the instructors and staff were dedicated to helping students succeed. I was also drawn to the curriculum because it showed me how much dedication, discipline, and hard work it takes to become a nurse, and I wanted to challenge myself to grow both personally and professionally.
Throughout nursing school, I have developed behaviors that have helped me grow both academically and personally. I have learned the importance of asking questions when I need clarification instead of being afraid to speak up, and I make it a priority to revisit concepts even when I think I already understand them so I can strengthen my knowledge. I have also demonstrated dedication and perseverance by consistently showing up to class, studying, and putting effort into my education even when I feel exhausted or overwhelmed. These behaviors have helped me build discipline, accountability, and a strong work ethic as I continue working toward my goal of becoming a nurse.
One piece of advice I would give to someone starting their healthcare journey is to take it one day at a time and never doubt their ability to succeed. Others have made it through the challenges of healthcare programs, and they can too. It may feel difficult and overwhelming at first, but growth starts with being willing to sit down, study, and put in the effort to understand the material. Asking questions, staying consistent, and continuing to push forward even on hard days can make all the difference in reaching your goals. Bonus tip: As a nursing student always have coffee or Energy drink on hand.
—Cedar Dennis is a student in the Associate Degree of Nursing program at the Columbus campus.
On [DATE], American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.